Twilight is settling on CU’s journalism school, but not on the study of journalism.
In a letter released Wednesday, CU President Bruce Benson wrote to Chancellor Phil DiStefano saying that he supports the recommendation for discontinuance of SJMC.
According to the letter, Benson wrote that the university should develop a Journalism Plus Action Plan.
“I also believe CU-Boulder should continue to offer a bachelor’s degree with a double-major in journalism and another academic discipline,” Benson wrote.
Benson recognized in the letter the strong track record CU’s journalism program has had as well as the importance of journalism in a democratic society.
He also noted that while technology is a factor, the core values of journalism should remain in the new program.
“While technology is driving rapid change in the field, journalism’s fundamental values of fairness, balance, accuracy, ethics and law remain,” Benson wrote. “Any program we offer should promote those values, regardless of administrative structure.”
Benson also included a list of questions that need to be addressed going forward, including how the new structure will address concerns raised by the accreditation committee and whether the plan ensures a long-term place for journalism education at CU.
Benson will present his recommendation to the Board of Regents during their meeting Thursday and Friday. He wrote that, though there needs to be a change, it needs to be done quickly, with a focus on improving journalism education.
“We share the common goal of strengthening journalism education at CU and graduating students who contribute to the critical role the discipline plays in a democratic society,” Benson wrote.
Check back with the CU Independent as the SJMC discontinuance process continues.
Contact CU Independent Breaking News Editor Isa Jones at Alexandra.i.jones@colorado.edu.
